Business owner: 'You can tell these guys had stolen fuel before'

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BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) - Two thieves stole more than 200 gallons of fuel in broad daylight.

Chad Hathaway is owner of Hathaway LLC, an oil production company in Bakersfield. He said Monday that two thieves broke onto his company's property and then covered the surveillance camera facing his oil tanks.

"You can tell these guys had stolen fuel before," said Hathaway.

Just as the two men began cutting open the oil tanks, the rag covering the camera fell off.

"Usually you don't catch them or you don't have any kind of video to show who it was or what happened," said Hathaway.

Hathaway said he doesn't recognize the men or their truck but he hopes someone will.

"It was a blue like S-10 type pickup truck with a blue camper shell on it with a tank in the back. It was two individuals," he said.

In all, the thieves got off with 237 gallons of fuel. The company filled up the tanks on July 22 at $3.19 per gallon, which calculates to a total loss of $756.98.

"Came in, two-man crew, cut the locks, had a big fuel tank in the back of the truck, and then managed to get off in a matter of 15 to 20 minutes," Hathaway described. “It was really, really efficient."

Hathaway has informed law enforcement of the crime. He said they plan to increase security around the area.

"Fuel theft is a major loss to a lot of companies, a lot of (agricultural) companies, a lot of oil companies, a lot of businesses here in town," the business owner said. "Every extra person that we can get off the streets that is doing this would just be a benefit."

Anyone who recognizes the men, their truck, or have any information on this crime should call the Kern County Sheriff's Office at (661) 861-3110.